More than 100 new affordable homes coming to Salmon Arm

Salmon Arm Wednesday, July 3, 2019 1:00 PM

More new affordable rental homes and housing with supports are on the way for Salmon Arm.

“For too long, people have struggled to find safe, affordable housing,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are proud to be working with local partners to build the housing people need, so they can stay in the community they call home.”

Construction is underway on 67 new affordable rental homes that will be built in two four-storey buildings at 540 3rd St. South West. These affordable homes will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom units for families, seniors and people with disabilities.

In a third adjacent building, 38 new supportive homes will be built for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Each unit is a self-contained studio home that includes a bathroom and kitchenette. A communal kitchen, dining area and laundry facilities will also be provided on-site.

“We are pleased to work with the Province and our community partners to develop and support this much-needed affordable and supportive housing for our residents,” said Alan Harrison, mayor, City of Salmon Arm. “Everyone needs a safe, secure place to call home.”

Supportive housing applicants will go through a thorough assessment process to ensure an appropriate mix of residents with the right supports in place. Supports will include meal programs, life and employment skills training, and access to health and wellness support services. All residents will sign a program agreement and will pay rent.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Shuswap-Revelstoke will operate the entire site.

“We are pleased to be working in collaboration with our partners to provide affordable housing solutions in our community,” said Dawn Dunlop, executive director, Canadian Mental Health Association Shuswap-Revelstoke.

Construction is expected to be complete by winter 2020.

Quick Facts:

The affordable rental homes will be geared to income, which means people will pay approximately 30% of their gross household income.

For the supportive housing component, rent will be $375 a month (shelter rates).

More than 20,000 new homes are complete or underway throughout B.C because of provincial investments, including more than 1,000 homes in the Okanagan region.

To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and helping build 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

The B.C. government is working in partnership to build affordable homes that cover the full spectrum of housing needs for British Columbians.

Budget 2018 included a $7-billion investment in the homes people need. As a result of that investment, more than 20,000 new homes are complete, under construction or in the approvals process for a range of people who are struggling to find a place to live — from people who are experiencing homelessness and seniors on fixed incomes, to middle-income families, students and individuals. To date, this includes:

Housing for middle-income earners (households with annual incomes between $50,000 and $150,000) – approximately 2,460 homes:

Building BC: Community Housing Fund: approximately 1,500 rental homes for people with middle incomes.

HousingHub: 960 homes.

Housing for people with low to moderate incomes (including some where rents are based on 30% of household income and others with set rents, which are designed to be affordable to moderate-income households, in most cases earning less than $70,000 annually) – approximately 9,200 homes:

Building BC: Community Housing Fund: approximately 3,700 rental homes for people with low to moderate incomes.